Adjustable jewelry

ABSTRACT

An adjustable article of jewelry including a chain having a first end and a second end and an adjuster slidably coupled to the chain. The adjuster is adapted to slide along a length of the chain, where the adjuster includes a first orifice and a second orifice, each having dimensions for receiving the first end and the second end of the chain, respectively. The chain forms a loop that may be placed around a wearer&#39;s neck when the first end and the second end are received by the first orifice and a second orifice of the adjuster and the dimensions of the loop may be changed by slidably adjusting the adjuster along the length of the chain. An end cap is detachably coupled to the first end and the second end of the chain. The end cap is constructed to have outer dimensions greater than the dimensions of the first orifice and the second orifice to prevent the first end and a second end from disengaging the adjuster.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally relates to jewelry, and more particularly, to an adjustable chain jewelry that may be worn around the neck or other limbs of a wearer.

BACKGROUND

Necklaces may be worn at various different lengths depending upon wearer's fashion and desired look. Some wearers prefer a shorter choker length necklace, of approximately fifteen inches, to be worn with, for example, a woman's dress or blouse. Others prefer a longer length necklace to be worn, for example, over a T-shirt or sweater.

Necklaces commonly comprise a fixed length of flexible chain made from one or more precious metals, such as gold, silver and platinum, and these chains are available in a wide variety of designs. The flexible chains are commonly adorned with ornamental items, such as pendants, which generally comprise one or more precious stones, such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires, mounted in settings of precious metal. Purchasers of fine jewelry may select a pendant of a desirable style and size and have it mounted on a flexible chain having a fixed length, which is usually fifteen, eighteen, twenty-four, or thirty inches. Based on the desired fashion, the pendant can in many cases later be mounted on a chain of a different length, but this generally requires the purchase of a new chain and also often requires the services of a professional jeweler to remove the pendant from the old chain and mount it on the new chain. Thus, mounting a pendant on a new chain can be inconvenient, time-consuming, and expensive.

In fine jewelry, the most common commercially-available necklace length is approximately eighteen inches, which generally allows the looped end to hang about two to three inches below an average-sized person's collar bone. A twenty-four-inch necklace is also common, which length generally allows the looped end to hang about three inches lower than the eighteen-inch chain. A thirty-inch necklace has been another common length, but this has generally been the longest commercially-available necklace length.

People, of course, come in a wide variety of body shapes and sizes, and a necklace chain of a given length will therefore hang quite differently on different people. An eighteen-inch necklace chain, for example, which hangs at a fashionable length on an average-sized person, would not hang at the same fashionable length on a relatively larger or relatively smaller person. Particularly large people and particularly small people, including children, have therefore, in some cases, been unable to wear necklaces and other jewelry at appropriate fashionable lengths.

Moreover, the style and type of a person's clothing can interfere with the appearance of a necklace and affect the way the necklace hangs. For example, a pendant which hangs at approximately the same length as the neckline of the person's clothing can often be hidden from view by the clothing. A necklace chain that hangs at a fashionable length when worn over light clothing may not hang at the same fashionable length when worn over relatively bulky clothing.

It is therefore desirable to provide methods and apparatus which allow the length of jewelry, such as necklaces, to be precisely adjusted to quickly and conveniently accommodate the particular fashion desires, size, and clothing of the wearer. Such methods and apparatus would permit the wearer to precisely adjust the length of the necklace chain so that the pendant or other ornament hangs at the most fashionable, appropriate, and flattering position, regardless of the person's particular size and clothing. It is also desirable to provide an apparatus that allows the person to adapt a necklace to mount various ornamental elements on the chain without requiring the services of a jeweler to remove the ornamental element from the old chain and mount it on the new chain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An adjustable article of jewelry is provided. The article of jewelry includes a chain having a first end and a second end and an adjuster slidably coupled to the chain. The adjuster is adapted to slide along a length of the chain, where the adjuster includes a first orifice and a second orifice, each having dimensions for receiving the first end and the second end of the chain, respectively. The chain forms a loop that may be placed around a wearer's neck when the first end and the second end are received by the first orifice and a second orifice of the adjuster and the dimensions of the loop may be changed by slidably adjusting the adjuster along the length of the chain.

The article of jewelry further includes an end cap detachably coupled to the first end and the second end of the chain. The end cap is constructed to have outer dimensions greater than the dimensions of the first orifice and the second orifice to prevent the first end and a second end from disengaging the adjuster.

In some implementations, the article of jewelry may further include one or more ornamental elements that may be adjustably mounted to the chain. The one or more ornamental elements are constructed to slide along the length of the chain but be retained in grouped relation along the chain by one or more end stops.

In other implementations, an adjustable necklace is provided. The adjustable necklace may include a snake chain having an outer diameter, a first threaded end, and a second threaded end. An adjuster is slidably coupled to the chain, where the adjuster is slidable along a length of the chain. The adjuster includes a first orifice and a second orifice, where each orifice includes diametrical dimensions for receiving the first threaded end and the second threaded end of the chain, respectively. The chain forms a loop that may be placed around a wearer's neck when the first threaded end and the second threaded end are received by the first orifice and a second orifice of the adjuster, and the dimensions of the loop may be changed by slidably adjusting the adjuster along the length of the chain.

The adjustable necklace further includes an end cap threadedly coupled to the first threaded end and the second threaded end of the chain. The end cap has outer dimensions greater than the diametrical dimensions of the first orifice and the second orifice to prevent the first threaded end and a second threaded end from disengaging the adjuster.

One or more ornamental elements may be slidably coupled to the chain. The one or more ornamental elements are slidable along the length of the chain.

Other devices, apparatus, systems, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present disclosure may be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable article of jewelry worn around the neck of a wearer in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the adjustable article of jewelry of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the adjustable article of jewelry of FIG. 1 showing the first and second ends of the flexible member.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a slidable adjuster of the adjustable article of jewelry of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the slidable adjuster depicted in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of an ornamental element mounted on the flexible member of the adjustable article of jewelry of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an end stop the adjustable article of jewelry of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the end stop depicted in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adjustable article of jewelry of FIG. 1 worn around the wearer's neck in an alternative orientation.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the adjustable article of jewelry of FIG. 1 worn around the wearer's wrist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate examples of various implementations of an article of adjustable jewelry configured to be worn around the neck and limbs of a wearer. Generally, the article of jewelry includes a chain having a first end and a second end and an adjuster slidably coupled to the chain. The adjuster is adapted to slide along a length of the chain, where the adjuster includes a first orifice and a second orifice, each having dimensions for receiving the first end and the second end of the chain, respectively. The chain forms a loop that may be placed around a wearer's neck when the first end and the second end are threaded through the first and second orifices of the adjuster. The dimensions of the loop may be changed by slidably adjusting the adjuster along the length of the chain.

The article of jewelry further includes an end cap detachably coupled to the first end and the second end of the chain. The end cap is constructed to have outer dimensions greater than the dimensions of the first orifice and the second orifice to prevent the first end and a second end from disengaging from the adjuster.

FIG. 1 is a front view of one example of an article of adjustable jewelry 100 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. As shown, the article of adjustable jewelry includes a flexible member 102 and a slidable adjuster 104.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the article of adjustable jewelry 100. As shown, the flexible member 102 may comprise a slender chain-like member having a first end 202, a second end 204, and a loop portion 206 extending between the first end 202 and the second end 204. The loop portion 206 is adapted to extend around the neck or other limbs of the wearer. The flexible member may be formed of any suitable flexible material but is preferably formed of a precious metal, such as gold, silver, copper, and platinum, using methods that are well known in the art. In particular, the flexible member 102 may comprise a snake chain design. For example, the flexible member 102 be constructed from hypoallergenic, lead-free, surgical grade, stainless steel, gold, copper brass, or any other suitable anti-corrosive material. In some implementations, the flexible member 102 may be 1.5 millimeters in diameter or have any other suitable dimensions. The flexible member 102 may comprise a single continuous length of material or, in the alternative, a plurality of links of material.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the first and second ends 202 and 204 of the flexible member 102. As shown, the first end 202 and the second end 204 of the flexible member 102 may include corresponding ends caps 302 that may be detachably coupled to the first and second ends 202 and 204. The first end 202 and the second end 204 may each include a threaded tip 304 that threadedly engage a threaded interior cavity (shown in dashes) of the end caps 302. Preferably, the threaded tips 304 may comprise a cap screw affixed, by soldering or other suitable means, to the first and second ends 202 and 204 of the flexible member 102. By detaching the end caps 302 from the first end 202 and the second end 204, the slidable adjuster 104 may be disassembled from the flexible member 102. The end caps 302 may be formed of a precious metal, such as gold, silver, copper, and platinum, using methods that are well known in the art.

The end caps 302 may preferably be made from the same material and the flexible member 102. While depicted as cylindrical members, the end caps 302 may be fashioned in a wide variety of decorative and ornamental shapes.

FIG. 4A is a top view of the slidable adjuster 104. As shown, the adjuster 104 may include a body 402 having a substantially disc shape. In other implementations, the body 402 of the adjuster 104 may be configured to a cylindrical shape, a triangular shape, or any other suitable geometry. The adjuster 104 may be made of a precious metal, aluminum, ceramic, plastic, or any other suitable material. However, for purposes of aesthetics, it is preferred to construct the adjuster 104 from the same material as the flexible member 102. In some implementations, the body 402 may be constructed to a diameter of approximately 7.50 millimeters and a thickness of approximately 5 millimeters. In some implementations, wording, an image, or logo may be inscribed on a body 104 surface.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the slidable adjuster 104. As shown, the body 402 of the slidable adjuster 104 may include a pair of orifices 404. The orifices 404 may be sized to receive the first and second ends 202 and 204 of the flexible member 102. In some implementations, the orifices 404 may include a liner 406 of plastic, Delrin®, silicon, or other suitable material. The liner 406 provides friction to prevent the first and second ends 202 and 204 from slipping out of the body 402 as the slidable adjuster 104 is adjusted to various positions along the flexible member 102.

Returning now to FIG. 2, in some implementations, the article of adjustable jewelry 100 may further include one or more ornamental elements 210 adapted to slidably mount on the loop portion 206 of the flexible member 102. In some implementations, as shown, the ornamental elements 210 may include alphanumeric lettering, shapes, emblems, precious stones, or other ornamental objects.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one example of an ornamental element 210. In this example, the ornamental element 210 is alphanumeric lettering comprising a stencil shaped body 502 having one or more apertures 504 for receiving a first end 202 or second end 204 of the flexible member 102. The apertures 504 may be sized to permit the ornamental element 210 to freely slide along the flexible member 102.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ornamental elements 210 may be secured in grouped relation along the flexible member 102 by end stops 310. In the example shown, the end stops 310 may comprise a cubic structure, but, in other implementations, the end stops 310 may comprise a disc shape, a triangular shape, or other geometric structure. The ends stops 310 may be made of a precious metal, aluminum, ceramic, plastic, or any other suitable material. However, for purposes of aesthetics, it is preferred to construct the ends stops 310 from the same material as the flexible member 102.

As better shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, each end stop 310 may comprise cubic body 602 having a bore 604 extending therethrough. The bore 604 defines a pocket 606. The bore 604 may be formed by milling, laser etching, or any other suitable means. The cubic body 602 may further include a counterbored hole 608 at one end 610 of the body 602, and a countersunk hole 612 at an opposing end 614 of the body 602.

An annual bushing 620 may be inserted into the pocket 606. The bushing 620 may be made of plastic, Delrin®, silicon, or other suitable material. The bushing 620 may be constructed by drilling or milling a hole through the middle of a disc-shaped body.

The bushing 620 defines a sleeve 622 for receiving a first end 202 or second end 204 of the flexible member 102. The bushing 620 is retained in the pocket 606 by a retaining ring 624 sized to fit within the counterbored hole 608. The retaining ring 624 may be secured within the counterbored hole 608 by press-fit, weldment, an adhesive, or any other suitable means.

The bushing 620 material produces friction that restricts free movement of end stop 310 along the flexible member 102. In this way, the end stops 310 may be used to hold the ornamental elements 210 in place on the flexible member 102.

As shown in FIG. 1, the jewelry 100 may be adjusted around a wearer's neck by the slidable adjuster 104. The slidable adjuster 104 may be adapted to slide freely along the length of the first end 202 and the second end 204 so that the loop portion 206 of the flexible member 102 can be precisely adjusted to any desired size. When the slidable adjuster 104 is adjusted so that the loop portion 206 is relatively small, the ornamental elements 210, if utilized, may be permitted to hang relatively higher on the front of the wearer's neck, and the first and second ends 202 and 204 of the flexible member 102 may extend relatively farther down the wearer's back. When slidable adjuster 104 is adjusted so that the loop portion 206 is relatively large, the ornamental elements 210, if utilized, may be permitted to hang relatively lower on the wearer's neck or chest, and the first and second ends 202 and 204 of the flexible member 102 may not extend as far down the wearer's back. It will be appreciated that, since the slidable adjuster 104 can be positioned at any desired location along the first and second ends 202 and 204, the loop portion 206 of the flexible member 102 can be adjusted to any desired size and thereby accommodate any desired fashionable length, regardless of the wearer's relative size and clothing.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 7, the adjustable jewelry 100 may be worn by the wearer, such that the adjustable slider 104 is positioned to hang on the wearer's chest and the ornamental elements 210, if utilized, may be mounted on the flexible member 102 below the adjustable slider 104 (as shown in FIG. 3). In other implementation, the adjustable jewelry 100 may be worn about the wearer's wrist or other limbs, as shown in FIG. 8.

In general, terms such as “coupled to,” and “configured for coupling to,” and “secured to,” and “configured for securing to” and “in communication with” (for example, a first component is “coupled to” or “is configured for coupling to” or is “configured for securing to” or is “in communication with” a second component) are used herein to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, signal, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, ionic or fluidic relationship between two or more components or elements. As such, the fact that one component is said to be in communication with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components may be present between, and/or operatively associated or engaged with, the first and second components.

Although the previous description illustrates particular examples of various implementations, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing illustrative examples. A person skilled in the art is aware that the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents can be applied in various further implementations and modifications. In particular, a combination of the various features of the described implementations is possible, as far as these features are not in contradiction with each other. Accordingly, the foregoing description of implementations has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable jewelry, comprising: a chain having a first end and a second end; an adjuster slidably coupled to the chain, the adjuster being slidable along a length of the chain, where the adjuster includes a first orifice and a second orifice, each having dimensions for receiving the first end and the second end of the chain, respectively, and where the chain forms a loop that may be placed around a wearer's neck when the first end and the second end are received by the first orifice and a second orifice of the adjuster, and where dimensions of the loop may be changed by slidably adjusting the adjuster along the length of the chain; and an end cap detachably coupled to the first end and the second end of the chain, the end cap having outer dimensions greater than the dimensions of the first orifice and the second orifice to prevent the first end and a second end from disengaging the adjuster.
 2. The adjustable necklace of claim 1 further comprising one or more ornamental elements slidably coupled to the chain, the one or more ornamental elements being slidable along the length of the chain.
 3. The adjustable necklace of claim 2, where the one or more ornamental elements may include lettering.
 4. The adjustable necklace of claim 2, where the one or more ornamental elements may include numbering.
 5. The adjustable necklace of claim 2, where the one or more ornamental elements may include symbols, designs and other geometric shapes.
 6. The adjustable necklace of claim 2 further comprising one or more stoppers slidably coupled to the chain, each stopper having a body and an orifice for receiving a first end or a second end of the chain, the one or more stoppers being adapted to retain the one or more ornamental elements in a certain location along the length of the chain.
 7. An adjustable necklace, comprising: a snake chain, the chain having an outer diameter, a first threaded end, and a second threaded end; an adjuster slidably coupled to the chain, the adjuster being slidable along a length of the chain, where the adjuster includes a first orifice and a second orifice, each orifice having diametrical dimensions for receiving the first threaded end and the second threaded end of the chain, respectively, and where the chain forms a loop that may be placed around a wearer's neck when the first threaded end and the second threaded end are received by the first orifice and a second orifice of the adjuster, and where dimensions of the loop may be changed by slidably adjusting the adjuster along the length of the chain; an end cap threadedly coupled to the first threaded end and the second threaded end of the chain, the end cap having outer dimensions greater than the diametrical dimensions of the first orifice and the second orifice to prevent the first threaded end and a second threaded end from disengaging the adjuster; and one or more ornamental elements slidably coupled to the chain, the one or more ornamental elements being slidable along the length of the chain.
 8. The adjustable necklace of claim 7, where the one or more ornamental elements may include lettering.
 9. The adjustable necklace of claim 7, where the one or more ornamental elements may include numbering.
 10. The adjustable necklace of claim 7, where the one or more ornamental elements may include symbols, designs and other geometric shapes.
 11. The adjustable necklace of claim 7 further comprising one or more stoppers slidably coupled to the chain, each stopper having a body and an orifice for receiving a first end or a second end of the chain, the one or more stoppers being adapted to retain the one or more ornamental elements in a certain location along the length of the snake chain. 